Poria mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicines for their diuretic, sedative, and tonic effects. Poria contains several substances thought to promote good health, including polysaccharides (known to enhance immune function) and triterpenoids (a class of compounds with antioxidant effects).

In traditional Chinese medicine, poria mushrooms are believed to aid in the prevention or treatment of a variety of common and uncommon illnesses.